Seruwawila Mangala Rajamaha Viharaya

Seruwawila Mangala Rajamaha Viharaya, also known as Seruvila, is one of the two most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka’s Eastern Province. It claims to be one of the places visited by the Buddha, although the ancient chronicles mentione only Dighavapi, which is 161 km further south, is mentioned as such a place in Eastern Sri Lanka. In contrast to all other 16 places visited by the historical Buddha, which are counted as Solosmasthanas, Seruwawila is believed to be a place visited also by the other Buddhas of the present aeon. Relics of all 4 Buddhas who already lived in aour aeon are said to be enshrined in the stupa of Seruwila. This is extraordinary, as there is only one other stupa in the world containing relics of all 4 Buddhas (Kakusandha, Konagamana, Kassapa with and Gotama), which is the famous golden Shwedagon pagoda in Yangon, Myanmar.

In 1922, the dagaba from the period of Dutthagamani’s father Kavantissa (2nd century BC) was re-discovered by Ven. Dambagasare Sumedhankara Thero, who reestablished the temple. The conservation work was completed in 1931. In 1962, Seruwawila was declared an an Archaeological Reserve.

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